Weekender: Budapest, Hungary

Known variously as the spa capital of Europe, the Queen of the Danube and the Paris of the East, the capital of Hungary wears its grand titles well. Having survived the rise and fall of empires and the harsh reality of communist rule, the city of two halves – Buda and Pest – is now a sophisticated European city.

Headline attraction
Budapest has many Turkish bath houses, a legacy of the Ottoman Empire. Take a soak at Géllert Baths and Spa with its exquisite Art Nouveau decor in Buda or Pest's popular Széchenyi baths in City Park.

Museum time
For a jarring reminder of life under communism, visit the House of Terror, the former headquarters of the secret police. Today it's a museum filled with stories of the atrocities committed by the state against its own people.

Best of the rest
Head up to Castle Hill in Buda for views across the Danube to Pest, and the chance to explore Buda Castle and several other museums. To get up the hill catch the funicular at the end of the Chain Bridge.

Market to market
Central Market Hall is an intoxicating blend of smells, sights and sounds, and the best place for Hungarian grub, such as paprika and goose liver pâté. The Fakanal Restaurant above the market dishes up what it calls a 'gastronomical event' daily.

Try the local tipple
Budapest is buzzing with bars and clubs. A few to visit are Sarkkert, a leafy outdoor bar on Margit Island, nearby Holdudvar Bar, decorated with hanging lanterns, and Szimpla Kert, a condemned block of flats turned student hangout.

Chow down
If desserts are always served with a strong espresso, it goes without saying there's a vibrant café scene in Budapest. The most famous café for confectionary is Gerbeaud, which has been serving up sweets, liqueurs, cakes, tortes and biscuits since 1858.

Out of town
When communist rule came to an end, citizens of Budapest destroyed many of the propaganda sculptures that dotted the city. But at Memento Park (also called Statue Park) you can see some that were saved, including ones of Lenin and Marx. A bus goes there from Deak Square.

Need to know

When to go: Avoid winter when many museums and sights are closed

Getting there: Search for flights - From Budapest Airport catch a train or Zona Taxi (the licensed ones) to the city centre. Budapest also has direct train services to and from other European cities

Currency: Forint - Check out our Currency Converter for the latest rates

Language: Hungarian

Getting around: See the city on foot or take the metro, bus or tram

Going out: A beer costs about 1000 HUF

Accommodation: Find hotel deals